Team NFC delivered a big-time second-half performance to defeat Team AFC, 66-52, in the Pro Bowl Games flag football matchup. The contest was held on Tuesday night at Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco, marking the first time the event was held during Super Bowl week.
The San Francisco 49ers were well represented on the NFL’s all-star stage, with FB Kyle Juszczyk, RB Christian McCaffrey, T Trent Williams, LB (special teams) Luke Gifford, and LS Jon Weeks participating in the flag game. TE George Kittle was also recognized as a Pro Bowler but did not take part in the game due to injury.
After trailing by 18 points in the second quarter and entering halftime down 44-36, the NFC dominated the second half, outscoring the AFC 30-8 to complete the comeback. The rally was capped by a fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, sealing the Pro Bowl win.
The NFC coaching staff was led by Jerry Rice, while the AFC was coached by Steve Young, former 49ers legends. On Tuesday night, Rice’s NFC squad came out on top.
McCaffrey made a few highlight plays putting points on the board, converting a key two-point attempt in the second quarter. With 36 seconds remaining before halftime, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott connected with Lamb for a touchdown, then followed it up by hitting McCaffrey over the middle for a successful two-point conversion, keeping the NFC within striking distance.
Earlier in the quarter, McCaffrey also hauled in a two-point conversion from Hurts, showcasing the versatility that earned him his fourth career Pro Bowl selection.
“It was a blast,” McCaffrey said. “Such a great week, great way to cap it off. Everybody was kind of feeling it out in the first quarter, and you love when you get the competitive juices going. Everybody had a blast.”
Juszczyk earned his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl selection and ninth straight as a member of the 49ers, extending his NFL record for the most Pro Bowls by a fullback. Williams was selected to his 12th-career Pro Bowl, making him one of just four offensive linemen in league history to reach that milestone.
“It feels incredible,” Juszczyk said. “Obviously getting the win is big. You get a little extra cash, but, the best part is just being out here with the rest of the guys around the league that are the best at their craft, getting to spend time with them and build a relationship.”
Gifford earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career after being named a starter for his standout work on special teams, while Weeks was selected for the second time in his 16-year NFL career, serving as a veteran leader among the 49ers specialists.
Fans can catch a replay of the Pro Bowl Games on ESPN, Disney XD, and ESPN Deportes. Next year’s Pro Bowl will be held in the Los Angeles area, with Super Bowl LXI set to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
